Heat recovery is often described as “sensible” or “enthalpy.” The difference decides comfort, energy savings, and which technology to specify. Sensible Recovery Transfers temperature only. Plate exchangers, heat pipes, and run-around coils are sensible devices. They pre-heat or pre-cool the supply air without adding or removing moisture. Enthalpy Recovery Transfers both temperature and moisture. Enthalpy […]
Rotary Heat Recovery Wheel: Sensible and Enthalpy Types
A rotary heat recovery wheel is a rotating honeycomb disc that slowly turns between the supply and exhaust air streams. As it rotates, the wheel absorbs heat from the exhaust air and releases it into the incoming fresh air. In enthalpy wheels, moisture is also transferred, making them ideal for humidity control. How It Works […]
Enthalpy Recovery Wheel vs Membrane
Choosing between an enthalpy recovery wheel and a membrane exchanger comes down to contamination risk, maintenance tolerance, and how much latent recovery you need. This comparison distills the trade-offs. Side-by-Side Factor Enthalpy Wheel Membrane Moving parts Yes (motor, seals) No Air cross-contamination Small (seal leakage) None (separate streams) Latent effectiveness 70–85% 60–80% Frost risk (cold […]
Enthalpy Wheel vs Sensible Wheel: When Moisture Transfer Helps or Hurts
A rotary energy wheel is one of the most effective air-to-air recovery devices available, routinely reaching 70 to 85 percent total effectiveness, but not every application wants what the wheel is selling. The deciding factor is the matrix coating: a plain aluminium wheel moves only sensible temperature energy, while a desiccant-coated enthalpy wheel also transfers […]